The Women in IT & Technical Services (WITTS) Network successfully launched its first event on Wednesday 22 April, bringing together colleagues from across the university to connect, share experiences, and help shape the future of the network.
The Women in IT & Technical Services Network (WITTS) has been created to address the gender gap in technical leadership by providing a dedicated platform for women to connect, collaborate, and grow, filling a crucial gap where a platform previously did not exist. WITTS seeks to empower, increase visibility, and develop confidence amongst women in technical roles, whilst supporting national efforts to rebalance leadership. It brings together champions from Herschel-aligned initiatives and internal leaders, to foster ownership, mentorship, and leadership development, ensuring women have the support needed to rise to senior posts, mentor others, and sustain a cycle of inclusive leadership and career advancement. Membership is open to all University of Kent staff who identify as women with a technical role (not just those in IT and Technical Services), who support the aims of the Network and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in technical roles.
The launch event aimed to create a welcoming and supportive space for women working in technical roles at Kent, with a focus on building community, boosting confidence, and supporting career development. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the WITTS team, take part in networking activities, and learn more about the vision and ambitions of the network.
A key highlight of the event was the interactive feedback session, where participants contributed ideas through dot voting and a “What I Need from WITTS” wall. Feedback showed strong interest in collaboration and community-building, career growth and development, and increasing visibility of women in technical roles. Participants also highlighted the importance of mentoring, creating safe spaces to share experiences, and opportunities to connect across departments.
Qi Zheng, Chair of the WITTS Network, commented: “The event provided valuable insights that will directly inform the next steps for WITTS, ensuring that future activities reflect the needs and priorities of its members. It also demonstrated a clear appetite for continued engagement, with attendees expressing interest in workshops, networking events, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.”
Leonie Charles, Chair of the WITTS Network, described the launch of the WITTS Network as a milestone for Kent’s technical community. She said, “what stood out most was the shared commitment to building a network that genuinely reflects the people in it. The energy in the room made it clear that colleagues want a space where women in technical roles across the university can connect, feel represented and be part of something that speaks to their experiences’. That momentum is now shaping what comes next and the ideas and enthusiasm shared at the launch have given us a strong direction.”
Overall, the launch event was a positive and engaging start for the WITTS Network, establishing a strong foundation for a supportive and inclusive community. Women in technical roles across the University of Kent are encouraged to get involved, share their ideas, and join future events as the network continues to grow.
